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Friday, January 31, 2014

Have you ever needed just the right stamp, only to find Stampin' Up! doesn't have it? Well, my favorite set from Stampin' Up! retired years ago, and it is packed away in my garage (don't ask). The easier solution? Create my own stamp using Stampin' Up!'s new Undefined kit!

You may be wondering why an apple core? Well, with a maiden name like CORE, it just seemed fitting! I've actually created ones for my nieces, too, and will be sending them for Valentine's Day.

Want to see how the Undefined kit works? Check out the video from Stampin' Up! below, then head over to my Stampin' Up! store to order your own Undefined kit!

Thursday, January 30, 2014

I love getting together with the ladies from my monthly rotating hostess club. These get-togethers are filled with lots of fun... chatting, stories, laughs, snacks and of course card-making! Check out a couple of cards that we made!

The card fold was based on a swap I received at Leadership. You can dress up this card using so many different Designer Series Papers and varying the stamp set! Such a versatile layout!!

Do you want to recreate this card? You can purchase the following items at my online store:

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

I get excited when Stampin' Up! introduce new tools - especially when they make my crafting experiences so much fun and easy. Last year Sizzix gave Stampin' Up! a limited number of Texture Boutiques to see if there would be a demand for them. Guess what? There was - and still is! This machine is completely redesigned for Stampin' Up! - it is so sleek and sexy, don't you think? Although I have the previous version, I HAD to order the new one... it will be in Friday! *big smile*

Here are the details from Stampin' Up!...

Make an impression with our Texture Impression Embossing Machine (item 132657). It’s coming in our 2014–2015 annual catalog, but we have a limited supply available now. The Texture Boutique works with Textured Impressions Embossing Folders to transform ordinary cardstock, paper, metallic foil, or vellum into an embossed, textured masterpiece. This machine embosses only; it does not die cut.

Don’t forget to order the brand new Textured Impressions Embossing Folders that just came out in the Occasions catalog so you have everything you need to start creating with your new machine.

If you order the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine and all three of the new folders, you will qualify to get a FREE Sale-A-Bration gift. We highly recommend the Decorative Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (Item #133520)! (You must order before March 31, 2014 to qualify for the free gift).

One last note... I still love my Big Shot for die cutting and use it daily. However, the Texture Boutique is great if you just want a quick emboss! I took mine to Leadership to finish my swaps. It was so much more convenient (and did not add much extra weight to my luggage)!

Friday, January 24, 2014

I received my Paper Pumpkin box and squealed when I opened it! Free gift? What??? And how did they know I love buttons? Tee hee! Usually I stick pretty close to the instructions and pictures when putting my kit together, but this time I am going to try to step out of the box. As soon as I'm finished putting my cards together, I'll definitely post pictures!

If you haven't tried Paper Pumpkin yet, you might want to! Don't forget to sign up before February 10 to get a FREE set of markers! Details can be found HERE. Pictured below is your welcome kit. If you decide to continue your subscription, you will receive a new shipment every month. So much fun!

Thursday, January 23, 2014

I have to admit something... I thought Stampin' Up! was only going to do weekly deals in 2013 (for their 25th birthday celebration), but I am THRILLED they have continued into 2014! Check out these items at special prices (which are good only through Monday, January 27, as Tuesday there will be new items on sale)!

My favorite item on this list? Hard to say, but if I had to choose, it would have to be the Extra-Large Oval Punch! Oh how I love punches! I used this punch on one of my swap cards for Leadership (a few posts back).

You can click on the "Shop With Me" button at the top to place your orders.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Last Sunday I put together a "last minute" Valentine's Day Card and Treat Buffet. Last minute planning produced some fun projects... and guests! A few were new to stamping, and a couple even showed up at the last minute. It was a class that exceeded my expectations - and I almost want to do it again. Tee hee! Check out a few of the cards and treats we created!

Thank you for stopping by! Don't forget to leave a comment and tell me what you think. :)

Friday, January 17, 2014

One of the best things about a Stampin' Up! event is the swapping! What's swapping? It's taking a card you made and "swapping" it for a card someone else made. Some demonstrators make hundreds of cards, but with my limited time I only created 60. Most of the cards were for organized swaps (the hostess sets specific parameters for card design), but a few were made for general swapping (where we run around and find others to swap with). It's a blast and it's amazing to see such talent!

Here are two of the cards I made for my general swapping. It usually takes me a while to come up with designs, but these cards were actually designed quickly using only a few items taken to Houston (I couldn't take my entire stamp room, could I?). Yes, these cards were made in my hotel room! It's actually the first time I took stamping supplies to an event and actually used them! I feel so accomplished!

Want to recreate these cards? It's super simple if you use these items:

Thursday, January 16, 2014

One thing Stampin' Up! focuses on, and encourages its demonstrators to do, is give back to the community. I've done fundraisers in the past, such as "Stamp Out Breast Cancer" to support the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, but this is the first time I've taken the time to get involved at a Stampin' Up! event. I had the opportunity at Leadership to get involved - and I have to say, it really feels good to give my time, even if just a few minutes, to make even a small difference in someone's life.

This year's service project was making birthday kits for the patients at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. You can read more about our service project HERE. I wish I had a link to the video that was played during Leadership, after delivery of all 500 kits. It brought tears to my eyes! It really puts things into perspective and helps us remember not to take things for granted.

What an amazing opportunity Stampin' Up! has provided its demonstrators, and what a generous give to give (us).

Monday, January 13, 2014

Just getting back from Leadership in Houston, TX and still processing all the information, going through swaps and catching up on sleep! I'll be posting pictures and revealing some amazing news little by little, but first up is a super promotion you won't want to miss!

If you haven't tried Paper Pumpkin yet, you will definitely want to sign up before February 10! Why??? I have seen the kits for February and March and they are ADORABLE!! I wish we could have taken pictures, but part of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is being sworn to secrecy about certain things. But you'll be glad I am. Imagine being surprised every month by a new project. They call it your 30-minute creative escape. You won't receive February's kit, but instead you will receive the welcome kit pictured below. However, I will have a limited number of extra February kits, so (while supplies last) you can buy one directly from me (and I will even pay the shipping to you).

But wait! There's more! If you sign up before February 10, you will receive a FREE set of 2012-2014 In Color Markers (that's a value of $14.95)!

Try it for a month or two, and see what fun you can have with Paper Pumpkin! Click HERE to get more details and sign up!